TITLE:
Effect of TiO2 Filler Loading on Physico-Mechanical Properties and Abrasion of Jute Fabric Reinforced Epoxy Composites
AUTHORS:
Bheemappa Suresha, Suryakanth L. Guggare, Naraganahalli V. Raghavendra
KEYWORDS:
TiO2 Filled J/Ep, Mechanical Properties, Abrasion, Scanning Electron Microscopy
JOURNAL NAME:
Materials Sciences and Applications,
Vol.7 No.9,
September
13,
2016
ABSTRACT: Mechanical properties and abrasive wear behaviour of bi-directional jute fabric reinforced epoxy (J/Ep) with micron sized TiO2 particles at different wt% (2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10) were investigated. The tribo-potential of combined effect of TiO2 and jute fiber in epoxy (J/Ep) for enhancing the abrasion resistance has not been studied so far. Hence, the present work aims to explore the possibility of using TiO2 filler and jute fiber to reinforce the epoxy and thus open a new way to implement inexpensive reinforcements and produce new candidate tribo-material for industrial applications. Silane treated TiO2 filled J/Ep composites were prepared by hand lay-up method. Selected mechanical properties and three-body abrasive wear tests were evaluated as per ASTM standards. Results indicate an enhancement in the J/Ep composite mechanical properties due to addition of TiO2 particles up to 7.5 wt% of loading. Highest tensile and flexural properties were found at 7.5 wt% TiO2 loading. Results of abrasion tests show resistance to abrasion at 5 wt% TiO2 filled J/Ep composite. Scanning electron micrographs evidenced that the fiber and filler have fairly good bonding with matrix. Finally, this investigation confirms the applicability of TiO2 as secondary reinforcement in J/Ep composite.